
French Wine
Learn about French wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...
Nearly synonymous with fine wine and all things epicurean, France has a culture of wine production and consumption that is deeply rooted in tradition. Many of the world’s most beloved grape varieties originated here, as did the concept of “terroir”—soil type, elevation, slope and mesoclimate combine to produce resulting wines that convey a sense of place. Accordingly, most French wine is labeled by geographical location, rather than grape variety. So a general understaning of which grapes correspond to which regions can be helpful in navigating all of the types of French wine. Some of the greatest wine regions in the world are here, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône and Champagne, but each part of the country has its own specialties and strengths.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the king and queen of Burgundy, producing elegant red and white wines with great acidity, the finest examples of which can age for decades. The same two grapes, along with Pinot Meunier, are used to make Champagne.
Of comparable renown is Bordeaux, focused on bold, structured red blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc including sometimes a small amount of Petit Verdot or Malbec. The primary white varieties of Bordeaux are Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
The northern Rhône Valley is responsible for single-varietal Syrah, while the south specializes in Grenache blends; Rhône's main white variety is Viognier.
Most of these grape varieties are planted throughout the country and beyond, extending their influence into other parts of Europe and New World appellations.
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Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2018Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- V
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Jean-Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone Les Abeilles Blanc 2017Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
- WE
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Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc La Crau 2018Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
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Michel Gassier Costieres de Nimes Nostre Pais White 2018Rhone White Blends from Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France
- JD
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Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2018Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- WS
- RP
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Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Domaine Blanc 2018Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- JD
- RP
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Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- JD
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Domaine de Saint Cosme Les Deux Albions Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- RP
- JD
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Chateau de Saint Cosme Little James Basket Press Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Pays d’Oc, South of France, France
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Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2018Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Domaine Font du Vent Cuvee Tradition Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
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Gerard Bertrand Cigalus Blanc 2018Rhone White Blends from Languedoc, South of France, France
- RP
- WW
- WS
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Domaine de la Solitude Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Michel Gassier Lou Coucardie Blanc 2016Rhone White Blends from Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France
- JD
- RP
- WE
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Ogier Artesis Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2018Rhone White Blends from Cotes du Rhone, Rhone, France
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Chateau Pesquie Terrasses Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Vin de France, France
- JD
- RP
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La Vieille Ferme Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from France
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Chateau d'Angles La Clape Classique White 2017Rhone White Blends from La Clape, Languedoc, South of France, France
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Chateau de la Negly La Clape La Brise Marine Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from La Clape, Languedoc, South of France, France
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Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2019Rhone White Blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
- JD
- RP